2004 Qantas Legends Golf Day

The QOC’s 2004 Fundraising program kicked off with a ‘bang’ on Monday when the Qantas Legends Golf Classic was held at Hope Island Resort – Gold Coast.

Conjointly founded by David Fordham, Hope Island Resort and the QOC Fundraising Committee, this special Golf Classic brought together 26 corporate teams of three players that were accompanied by one of the finest line-ups of Queensland Sporting Legends.

Upon arrival guests, including AOC Vice President Peter Montgomery were provided with special playing kits that included a Qantas branded Classic Polo Shirt, Cap and Umbrella, Callaway Dilly Bag and golf balls and a uniquely designed Golfing Wash Bag. As the golfers boarded their buggies and headed off to their designated ‘Tee Off’ location, they were cheered on by 90 school children dressed in Boxing Kangaroo shirts and waving Athens 2004 Olympic flags.

As the shotgun stapleford game began, all 104 players knew they had a one in twenty six chance of being the team randomly drawn to win four return business class airfares Brisbane to London, flying Qantas Airways and four complimentary tickets to the Men’s Quarterfinals at Wimbledon. Also included in the prize was five nights accommodation in London, a round of golf at a world-renowned golf course and dinner in London with an international sporting celebrity.

Players were treated to on course catering provided by leading Brisbane restaurants Pier Nine and IL Centro, allowing the teams to relax on course and enjoy gourmet food and beverages at two designated locations. On a more competitive note, Hole 17 saw the players’ swing and style being critiqued by Hope Island resident professional Peter Cote. Each players swing was recorded, to be later analysed with results and a virtual golf lesson being posted on the Hope Island website.

Each team was provided with a caddy who kept score and provided results for review by tournament referee, PGA Executive Director, Gavin Kirkman.

The accompanying dinner was headlined by New Zealand Cricketing Legend Sir Richard Hadlee who provided the audience with several humorous recounts of his career, both on and off the playing field.

Chris ‘Budda’ Handy presented an ode to the 28 Legends present moving the audience between ‘goose bumps’ to ‘fits of laughter’, whilst David Fordham and Pat Welsh were able to provide entertaining interviews with several of the high profile athletes present.

For the record Stefan’s Team of Stefan Ackerie, Mike Dobbins, Brian Watson and Michael Voss won the Stableford event, but the one every team wanted to win was the Qantas London Experience Package.

And the winner…… Gloves Off - Ken Healy, Jeff Crewes, Peter Hilan and Trevor Hendy will be flying Qantas Airways to London on 26th June.

However, the big winner on the day was the 2004 Australian Olympic Team with nearly $100,000 raised.

Special thanks goes to Terry Simpson and Lisa Bennetts of Qantas Airways, David Fordham, Steve McRoberts, Alan Meacock and all the Hope Island Golf Club Staff.

The AOC is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation, committed to the development of youth and sport. It is our responsibility to select, send and fund Australian Teams to the Olympic Games.

This is achieved by the support of our sponsors, contributions from the Australian Olympic Foundation (AOF), fundraising at corporate events and the backing of State and Territory Governments who donate to our Olympic Team Appeal.

The Australian Olympic Committee thanks all of our partners for their generous support of the Olympic athletes.